Galveston Opens Pleasure Pier Amusement Park

Galveston has a new attraction that's definitely designed to draw tourists of all ages to the Island City. It's a $60 million dollar Pleasure Pier on Seawall Boulevard, built by developer and hospitality king Tilman Fertitta.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is on the same pier that was occupied by the Flagship Hotel for many years, before it suffered major damage from Hurricane Ike in 2008. Situated at 25th Street and Seawall Boulevard, the Pleasure Pier has more than a dozen rides ranging from thrilling to kid-friendly.

Some of the bigger rides extend out over the Gulf of Mexico. The Iron Shark roller coaster has a sharp turn that goes out over the water at speeds up to 52 miles per hour. The Sea Dragon pendulum swings back and forth over the water, and over the heads of people on the boardwalk below. The most visible ride is the 200 foot tall Ferris Wheel, with LED lights that can be seen for miles.

The new Pleasure Pier is open this weekend in what's called a "soft opening" -- a "shake-down cruise" to make sure everything works. The date for the official grand opening hasn't been set yet.